Active firefighter going on 12 yrs near Chicago speaking here, you actually WOULD be able to take your gear into the shower technically speaking...

After every active fire incident we have to “decontaminate” our gear by hosing it down with water and scrub or wash it with mild detergent to get the carcinogens from things burning off of it. One of the reasons cancer in the fire service is soo high. Modern common materials when they burn give off some nasty stuff which can lead to a plethora of health issues.

So technically speaking, if he were allowed by the “bosses” he could walk into a shower and thaw/melt off all the junk on his gear killing two birds with one stone by warming himself and cleaning his gear. Although he probably has a snowballs chance in hell of anyone actually agreeing to let him do that...

And as far as he’s probably feeling in this situation, you know when you’ve got a cold or flu and your in two layers of sweats, a hoodie, and your wrapped up in blankets but still freezing but sweaty as hell at the same time? Similar feeling to that...warm on the inside but as soon as the air hits your face your freezing...

I work 10-14 hours a night working in -18°F temperatures. It has completely wrecked my hands and that's with 3 to 4 pairs of thick gloves on. I have an incredible amount of respect for this gentleman, let alone to all the brave men and women that selflessly service to protect us.